Discussion on Veterinarian Salary- Feb 6 BoCC Agenda Item 4

By Linda Dean Cooper

Questions For BoCC Veterinarian Discussion Tuesday:

In the past, I have asked questions and challenged decisions made by this and previous BoCC decisions. I have learned that making public comments most times falls on deaf ears which is another reason I created Spotlight, to have a voice. Here are my questions for the veterinarian salary discussion and I hope other Spotlight members add their insights on this subject as well. I want to recognize and thank Mary Taaffe for her comment on the veterinary poll when she posted “It is very disrespectful to Mr. Echols to take his donation and then starve the department for funds.” She is spot on with this comment. Mr. Echols donated his money and the county donated “in kind” contributions to build the shelter. At that time the county had a full-time veterinarian so one would assume Mr. Echols’ donation was based on proper care for the animals would continue.

Questions:

The agenda item states, “Discussion on Veterinarian Salary”, that’s a great start if the result is a realistic salary discussion and not lip service. BUT under the heading of qualifications, the first requirement is “Graduation from a college or university accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Assoc with a Doctor of Veterinary Medine or Veterinary Medical Doctor degree AND (2) TWO YEARS of experience in the practice of veterinary medicine. I do not believe it is possible to attract candidates knowing there is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians with these requirements and no flexibility for HR to hire part-time or full-time. Unless this description is changed, for those of you who thought it was a great idea to hire a recent graduate from a veterinarian college it goes against the job description of qualifications. It seems unrealistic to expect any vet to work in Levy with the current facilities, no vet tech, and current work environment in Animal Control.
Under Examples of Work Performed: Performs routine examinations and required State testing of all impounded large animals/livestock. Do any of you know if in the past where the previous veterinarian was involved in testing of all impounded large animals/livestock? Levy does not have a dedicated ag officer so not sure how any of this applies. Maybe those of you who work in large animal abuse or neglect cases could answer that question. Perhaps the Sheriff’s department is going to hire a dedicated ag deputy and the vet would work with the sheriff’s office.

The shotgun approach to how this BoCC interviews potential high-level professional employees is so sketchy, unprofessional, and self-serving but that is a fight for another day. With that said, who will be on the interviewing panel for this high-profile position?

There is nothing on the agenda for the Public Information Officer position being rescinded. Looks like another fleecing of $74,000 of your taxpayer’s dollars.

The vet discussion is Tuesday, Feb 6, item 4 on the agenda. There is no Zoom or live video only audio. Info below to listen only:

Public Call-In Information: